WinBack: Covert Operations

"Not A Metal Gear Equal, But Underrated"

Winback was made for the N64 in 1999 by Koei Co. and looked to be the next Metal Gear Solid. I first saw this game in the 1998 September issue of Nintendo Power and looked forward to it since then. I got it for Christmas of 1999 and played it like mad. Although it fell short to the Metal Gear classics it was good in it's own right.

Introduction

Winback, the stealth game for your N64 has you in control of Jean-Luc Cougar, the leader of the elite S.C.A.T team. You must work your way through terrorists and their traps to get to your ultimate goal, the control room where the GULF satellite is controlled.

Story

You start the game on a helicopter heading towards the terrorist base. Daniel Stewart (Dan) is giving a breifing on your mission to Winback the GULF satellite from the terrorists (hence the game's name is Winback). Suddenly the helicopter has mechanical errors and everyone is forced to jump off the helicopter. Separated from your teammates, this is where you start your game. Will your teammates live or die?

I found the story to be somewhat of a rip-off of Goldeneye with the satellite thing. Although the story is not just that, it is also what happens to your teammates and the situations they are in. I found this very interesting, I was hoping for a scene every time I started or beat a level.
8/10

Graphics

The characters look very life like. The textures and the detail of the characters (especially in their faces) looks amazing for an N64 game. The levels also look astounding, and realistic. If this game had used the expansion pack imagine how good it would have looked! 8/10

Play Control

This game doesn't have the greatest play control, but after awhile you get used to it. The controls are kinda complicated, but you can learn it all in Training Mode if you're up to doing that. If you don't want to do Training Mode, the first few stages are pretty easy and give you a chance to learn. Some of Jean-Lucs moves include: ducking, shooting, rolling. 6/10

Sound

The sound in this game suits a steath title very well, but it isn't anything noticeable. They have the required sounds like the gun shots and the sound of Jean-Luc walking. One thing I was happy to hear were the guards yelling ''Freeze!'' ''Over Here!'' (as strange as that may sound) 7/10

Gameplay

The game is very fun once you get used to the controls. It constantly requires quick thinking and stealth to get by enemies. The use of Jean-Luc's moves are very important to wether or not you have success or fail in the game of Winback. The only complaint I ever had was the view sometimes sucks really bad. 8/10

Replay Value

This game has 31 stages and many bosses. The game is too short though as it took me about 3 hours to finish the game (I was rushing to get the best ending). The game was 3 endings depending on how long you take to finish the game which can keep you playing a little while longer. The multiplayer is surprisingly fun but I'd much rather play smash bros or mario party for that purpose. 7/10

Buy or Rent?

I got it without renting and I was happy, but rent it anyway just incase it's not your style.

Final Evaluation

I give this game an 8/10, an stealth game! People complain that it is worse than Metal Gear but it is still good.

I hope this gives you an idea about the game of Winback.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/28/01, Updated 07/28/01